Using Portable AC units

I'm sure I won't do this but, has anyone ever used a portable AC unit in there Van, while on shore/generator power?
I've seen them in homes, and installation is just a 6" hose going to the outside. They draw around 9 amps.

fraz627 said:

I'm sure I won't do this but, has anyone ever used a portable AC unit in there Van, while on shore/generator power?
I've seen them in homes, and installation is just a 6" hose going to the outside. They draw around 9 amps.

Click to expand...

I have seen it, usually in an RV type vehicle since they take up a good amount of space.

jimindenver (for one) runs an (5000 btu?) air conditioner off solar/batteries.
There are a number of posts about running 5000 btu 'window shaker' AC with a 1000W inverter/generator.

hurriedyear website has one in his sprinter van, he shows how he installed it and how it performs and power requirements, its a good article to checkout.
But one thing to look out for is the heat output, you can use ducting to exhaust the hot air, but the unit also will get warm while running.

I put a small 5000 btu window AC unit in the right rear window of my 4runner every summer to keep my dog cool. I run it with a small honda generator on eco mode, it works very well and is relatively cheap to run for the amount I use it. It runs about 5-6 hrs on eco, that I know of, I haven actually times it, it may be a bit more. The gen stays in a cargo box on the back, out of sight but usable.

They have 12v Roof mounts units now. The price is $1200

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-conditioner-conditioner，Camper-Conditioner-Unit，Cooling/dp/B09P1PN4M6/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=12+Volt+Air+Conditioner&qid=1646319660&sr=8-10

Those portable air conditioners come in two types. Single and double hose. The double hose are more efficient as they use outside air to cool the condenser section. The single hose version uses the room's air to cool the condenser and then pumps the heat out through the single hose. If air leaves the vehicle, it will come back in from somewhere, so you will be pulling hot air into the vehicle.
Those portables are usually 10,000 BTU which would be too much for a van sized vehicle.

Thanks I wasn't going to do this but I just looked how easy it would be to do, and not have a AC hanging off the back end of the van

The one I seen used in an apartment seemed to a decent job. It is a single hose unit, so I was thinking that in a van it would be more than enough. The way I would do it, is to place the unit, cut the hole and run a short piece of the hose to the outside. Another option would be to also duct the input to the outside of the van.

The 5000 btu option mounted in the rear window would be the easiest option, however I plan on mounting the generator on the ladder rack at the rear of the van, and concerned the the AC would be sucking in the exhaust from the generator.

The other mounting options for the window units, would be mounting it in side the van and boxing it in, but that seems like a lot of work, I have watched several You-Tube videos on the subject.

fraz627 said:

The one I seen used in an apartment seemed to a decent job. It is a single hose unit, so I was thinking that in a van it would be more than enough. The way I would do it, is to place the unit, cut the hole and run a short piece of the hose to the outside. Another option would be to also duct the input to the outside of the van.

The 5000 btu option mounted in the rear window would be the easiest option, however I plan on mounting the generator on the ladder rack at the rear of the van, and concerned the the AC would be sucking in the exhaust from the generator.

The other mounting options for the window units, would be mounting it in side the van and boxing it in, but that seems like a lot of work, I have watched several You-Tube videos on the subject.

Click to expand...

Window AC units dont take outside air and blow it inside, they recirculate the inside air after its cooled in the coils.

One can also duct the gen exhaust in various ways if desired, i made a shroud that makes it go out the side of my cargo box along with the air drawn over the motor to cool it. One setup i saw before making mine had the gen in a plastic toe that was vented out.

Freelander said:

They have 12v Roof mounts units now. The price is $1200

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-conditioner-conditioner，Camper-Conditioner-Unit，Cooling/dp/B09P1PN4M6/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=12+Volt+Air+Conditioner&qid=1646319660&sr=8-10

Click to expand...

Now if they would only make 12v window units... for a reasonable price as well. Can get the AC 5000 BTU window units for less than $200 when they are on sale.

fraz627 said:

The one I seen used in an apartment seemed to a decent job. It is a single hose unit, so I was thinking that in a van it would be more than enough. The way I would do it, is to place the unit, cut the hole and run a short piece of the hose to the outside. Another option would be to also duct the input to the outside of the van.

The 5000 btu option mounted in the rear window would be the easiest option, however I plan on mounting the generator on the ladder rack at the rear of the van, and concerned the the AC would be sucking in the exhaust from the generator.

The other mounting options for the window units, would be mounting it in side the van and boxing it in, but that seems like a lot of work, I have watched several You-Tube videos on the subject.

Click to expand...

This guy solved the problem of his air conditioner protruding, but he is a refrigeration mechanic.

Spaceman Spiff said:

jimindenver (for one) runs an (5000 btu?) air conditioner off solar/batteries.
There are a number of posts about running 5000 btu 'window shaker' AC with a 1000W inverter/generator.

Click to expand...

jimindenver did a name change for his youtube channel to solar boondocker and her does consultations and design for a fee. Check him out at jimindever.com for consults and or design. All the best to you.

Jimindenver.com

Jim designed my system. I’ve been able to run a 5000 btu a/c with no problem. Granted I did not park in a hot climate and expect to run it 24/7 but I ran it many hours on sunny days.

We put a 5000 btu window unit in the front passenger window, using a standard window ledge mount and a small block of wood to sit on the inside arm rest. It's finished off with white Tyvek envelopes attached with magnets enclosed in white duct tape tabs. I covered the aluminum fins with a grill pan to protect them and our fingers.

I know... But honestly, it is less noisy and looks better IMO than the roof top units on RVs, and works very well! (Make sure your extension cord is of a sufficient gauge, etc.)

Downsides are: 1) too heavy for me to put in place by myself; 2) has to be removed to go get ice; 3) takes up space between front seats or behind passenger seat when not in use.

I looked at portables and can't see that option working for us. One day, maybe a good mini-split option will come to fruition. I am intrigued by the solar prospect, but am not ready for all that yet (see "ice", above).